15A NCAC 18A .2808. FOOD SERVICE

(a)  In child care centers, milk and milk products for drinking purposes shall be stored in the original commercially filled container.  Serving containers may be used for food service provided the unused milk is discarded.

(b)  Ice shall be made, handled, transported, stored and dispensed in such a manner as to be protected against contamination.  Ice shall be dispensed with scoops, tongs, or other ice‑dispensing utensils or through automatic ice‑dispensing equipment.  Ice‑dispensing utensils shall be stored on a clean surface or in the ice with the dispensing utensil's handle extended out of the ice.  Between uses, ice transfer receptacles shall be stored to protect them from dust, drip, splash and other contamination.  Ice storage bins shall be drained through an air gap.

(c)  Employees preparing or serving food shall wash their hands in accordance with the procedures in Rule .2803(c) of this Section.  Employees shall either use antibacterial soap, dips, or hand sanitizers immediately prior to food preparation or service or use clean, disposable gloves during food preparation or service.  Employees engaged in food preparation in the kitchen shall wear effective hair restraints, keep their fingernails trimmed, clean and shall not wear fingernail polish or artificial fingernails unless wearing intact gloves.  Hair spray is not an effective hair restraint.

(d) Once served, portions of leftover food shall not be served again unless the package is intact and the food is not potentially hazardous.  Foods, including milk, placed on the table for family style food service are considered served.

(e)  Between uses during service, dispensing utensils shall be stored in the food with the dispensing utensil handle extended out of the  food, in a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 140ºF (60ºC), or stored clean and dry.

(f)  Children attending child care centers shall not be in the kitchen except when participating in a supervised activity.

(g)  Nothing in this Section shall be construed as prohibiting family style food service at child care centers so long as supervision of the children is maintained throughout each meal except that family style food service shall be prohibited during the outbreak and investigation of communicable diseases.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110‑91;

Eff. July 1, 1991;

Amended Eff January 1, 2006; April 1, 1999; February 1, 1995.